Last week I introduced you all to the Lillie-Helen Foundation for Stroke Awareness founded by myself and my oldest friend to honor our grandmothers – both who passed away from stroke-related causes.
March is a very special month for Lillie-Helen because it’s the birth month of both of the namesakes of the organization.
Today’s blog is dedicated to Mrs. Helen Marie Maybank Conyers – may your legacy of love and strength forever live on in the hearts and actions of your loved ones! Welcome to Divas With A Purpose for the first time, Kimberly, as she shares with us her memories and reflections of her grandmother.
Michelle is my oldest friend, my BFF. She and I started Lillie-Helen together out of love for and a desire to carry out the legacy of our grandmothers who both passed away from stroke-related issues.
My grandmother – lovingly called Mama – celebrates her 5th birthday in heaven today, and every year I think, “it’ll get easier next year…” Unfortunately, that hasn’t been true for me as of yet. I have days when I can speak of her and see her face in that of my baby boy’s and it warms my heart. I also have days when the tears come because I know how much she wanted me to give her grandkids, and although I know she’s watching down on us, I would love to see her laughing and playing with them.
Mama had two strokes in her life, the first when I was 8 and the other when I was 27. The years in between weren’t easy for any of us as a family, but it drew us closer to each other on her behalf and closer to her as well. It’s funny for me to realize just how protective of my grandmother I was in her later years, so much so that I carry those feelings with me today.
For me, Lillie-Helen isn’t just a site or a Facebook page or even a friendly reminder to my husband to take his medicine. Lillie-Helen is a daily walk in which I keep myself and my family up-to-date on heart healthy recipes, green smoothie meal replacement ideas, exercise motivations, and so much more. This foundation is a way to reach out to our communities and make them aware that a stroke doesn’t have to be inevitable if only we are aware of and follow through with even the smallest of ways to keep ourselves healthy, a way to try and teach other mothers and grandmothers the importance of not ignoring your health just because you “feel good.” Lillie-Helen keeps my grandmother alive in my heart as I take her legacy of strength and love with me on my journey to a better, happier, healthier me.
Be blessed!
Kimberly
Today’s blog is dedicated to Mrs. Helen: may your legacy of love & strength continue ongoo.gl/fb/kY7LT
— Michelle (@Divatude) March 13, 2013
Kimberly is the Co-Executive Director of the Lillie-Helen Foundation for Stroke Awareness. Her name should sound familiar, as she’s, also, a participant in The Divatude Challenge 2013 where she’s sharing her personal and professional goals with the Divas With A Purpose community Connect with her on Facebook as she shares heart healthy tips and recipes on the Lillie-Helen Foundation for Stroke Awareness and her delectable desserts courtesy of The Dessert Diva.
kenyagjohnson says
This was beautiful. I still miss my grandmother. I lost her when I was 11 years old but she left a lifetime of an impression on me. She was a wonderful woman too. It’s a blessing to have memories in my heart like she was here yesterday.
Joyce Brewer (@MommyTalkShow) says
This is a wonderful memory to share with your family. I never knew my grandparents. They all died before I was born, except by grandmother who died when I was 3.
You were so blessed to have her.
LoveDesignLife says
Beautiful post. Great cause and I like how you have brought attention to stoke prevention. Thanks!
4awritermomMariann says
Such a wonderful way to bring awareness to stroke prevention, while honoring two wonderful women. Keep up the wonderful work. Good luck
Michelle says
Thanks so much for the encouragement and kind words!
Tracie says
This is beautiful. I love what y’all are doing.
Michelle says
Thank you Tracie!
Janeane M. Davis says
I like this post and the fact that you celebrated a real hero in your life. It is a wonderful thing to have people we admire that are close to us. It teaches us and our children that heroes are not people from far away or a long time ago. We have heroes in our lives and and I like how you encourage us to celebrate and honor them.
Houseful Of Nicholes says
I love this post! It’s always great to reflect on the life that someone you loved had. Love what you are doing to honor her!
malleryschuplin says
Beautiful Post, and a wonderful tribute to your grandma.
Whitney says
Very beautiful post and dedication to your grandmother.
Michelle says
What a great foundation and I love the back story. For two friends to come together and have a greater purpose is pretty darn special.
Michelle says
Thanks Michelle! She and I have been friends for over 25 years so accomplishing this together means a lot!
Kelly Stilwell says
You totally rock. It’s awesome that you’ve created that organization in your grandmother’s honor. She would be very proud of you.
Michelle says
Thanks Kelly!!!
melissa weintraub (@dentistmel) says
What a beautiful post. Sounds like an amazing woman!
Michelle says
She most definitely was! Thanks for stopping by!
Kristin Wheeler (@MamaLuvsBooks) says
Wow! What a touching tribute! I love how she says her “birthday in heaven!” I like that! Great post!